2015 graduate works as community engagement coordinator at Neighbors, Inc.
Cody Semo, 31, graduated from Inver Hills Community College in 2015, earning an Associate of Arts (A.A.), the college’s most popular transfer degree. Cody continued his education at Hamline University, graduating in 2019 with Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with a Concentration in Marketing.
“I belong to a generation that was often told that going to college is the expected path to success in life,” he said. “Initially, I wasn’t very motivated to attend college. However, the realization that I was the one paying for my degree helped spark my motivation. After several months, I began to really appreciate the community at Inver Hills. Knowing that I could pursue my education and enjoy the experience motivated me to continue on to a university and earn a bachelor’s degree.”
Cody worked as a lead teacher at Sandcastle Childcare in St. Paul while attending Inver Hills. He started teaching at Sandcastle in 2013.
“Being a preschool teacher wasn’t part of my life plans,” Cody said. “I started as a part-time custodian and gradually worked my way up to having my own classroom filled with students. The joy you see in children is difficult to describe. Knowing that you are making a difference in the life of a child who may not have the best home life makes the challenging days worthwhile. Receiving cards from students and having conversations with parents who tell you that your work makes a lasting impact on their child is one of the greatest joys in life.”
In the fall of 2022, Cody started his job as the community engagement coordinator at Neighbors, Inc., a nonprofit, social-service agency based in South St. Paul. He loves how his work at Neighbors gives him the chance to give back to the community where he grew up.
“My work at Neighbors, Inc., has ignited a passion for civic engagement and giving back to the community that has shaped me into the person I am today,” Cody said. “I hope to continue my career at Neighbors for as long as possible. In the coming year, I plan to apply for a position on the South St. Paul Planning Commission and, hopefully, to run for a City Council seat.”
More about Cody…
Born and raised in South St. Paul, Minnesota, Cody graduated from South St. Paul High School, Class of 2011. He has been a member of the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights Rotary Club since 2022.
“I have a mother named Shelly,” Cody said, “and my father’s name is Rick. My sister, Brianne, and her husband, Mark, have two daughters, Lois and Betty. My nieces have prepared me for my recent life adventure of having a daughter with my best friend and future wife, Kristy.”
Kristy and Cody will be getting married in August 2025 at Afton Alps.
“Our daughter, Ella Mae Semo, turned six months old in December,” Cody said. “She is my entire world! We also have two dogs—Biddy, a yellow Lab, and Milo, an Australian shepherd.”
Cody loves to cook—and he loves watching people enjoy the food he has made more than the food itself.
“My happy place is in the kitchen,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I like recipes; I like creating something new with what I have on hand. Hobby-wise, if I’m not cooking, I’m most likely outside kayaking, hiking, or chasing our dogs around the dog park. My love for the outdoors comes from my parents. There were no trips to Disney Land growing up. Our family vacations were trips up to the North Shore of Minnesota. Lutsen was my Sky Mountain. So, whenever we have the time, my fiancé, Kristy, and I head north. I can’t wait to have those trips and memories with my daughter.”
Cody resides with his family in South St. Paul.
Cody Semo life gallery
Cody Semo • Q & A
How did your time at Inver Hills help prepare you for transfer to Hamline University?
Attending Inver Hills was the best educational decision I have made. Not only was it financially a great option, but Inver helped prepare me for what to expect at a four-year university. Not that it was a major change, but that decision helped me realize I have the capability to keep going with my education.
What did you like best about your experience as an Inver Hills student?
The best part about being an Inver Hills student was the community feel. Most of the students there are from the local area. I could feel that we were all there for the same reason. No one seemed better than one another.
What advice would you give students thinking about attending a two-year community college before transferring to a four-year school?
Do it! As I previously said, it was the best financial decision I’ve ever made. My college views have changed somewhat. It’s not for everyone. If you have a passion, dream of what you want, and have your mind set, I believe a four-year university is great for you. I was not in that boat. I didn’t know what I wanted to do or be. I knew I wanted to better myself, and I believed that going into secondary education would be the way to achieve that. And it is totally okay if you don’t know what you want to do. Use a place like Inver Hills to figure that out.
Three words that describe you as an Inver Hills graduate:
QUIET. SATISFIED. PROUD.
What do you enjoy most about your job as the community engagement coordinator at Neighbors Inc.?
I love my current job and role at Neighbors, Inc. As the community engagement coordinator, I spend about half of my time in the office and the other half out in the community, connecting with businesses, faith groups, schools, and organizations. This experience has sparked a passion within me that I hadn’t discovered before. What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to give back to the town that helped shape me into the person I have become.
There is a stigma attached to using a food shelf and the services provided by Neighbors; for many, it’s a matter of pride. Our mission is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and recognized when they come through our doors.
What are the most challenging aspects of working at a nonprofit, community service agency?
Working in a nonprofit organization like Neighbors presents some significant challenges, primarily due to limited resources. We operate on a tight budget, so we monitor our spending very closely. Additionally, our small staff size means that each of us has to take on multiple roles. This requires us to be adaptable, as our daily plans may not always unfold as expected.
What person has influenced your life the most and why?
My sister, Brianne, is someone who truly inspires others. She is not only an amazing mother and wife, but also one of the hardest workers I know. She motivated me to pursue my education and stay in school, even during challenging times when I felt overwhelmed by the stress of juggling work and studies. After many long talks and by listening to her wise advice, I earned the degrees I desired. Thank you, Bri!
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
If I could make one thing happen on Earth right now, it would be to ensure that all children are fed. No child deserves to go hungry when we have so much in some places. Children shouldn’t be punished for the decisions of their guardians. Hunger can have devastating impacts on a child’s physical and mental development, affecting their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
WORTHWHILE
Cody Semo • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: To watch– football; to do– hiking
Place you would most like to visit: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China- Most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Watch my daughter, Ella, be born
- Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Buy our dream home 2) Make sure my family is set up comfortably 3) Make a scholarship in my family’s name
- Best book or movie you’ve read or seen lately: Inside out 2
- Time period (past or future) you would explore if you could time travel: 1950s America (the country was prospering)
- One thing you most want to accomplish in your life: Leaving a meaningful legacy
Your national bird if you were your own country: Snowy owl- Dream occupation: Professional fly fisherman
- Person you would most like to meet: John F. Kennedy
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Learning different languages
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Lack of compassion for others
Learn more about earning an Associate of Arts (A.A.) at Inver Hills by contacting:
Admissions Team
admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3902
866-576-0689
College Center
- Want more information? Fill out an inquiry form.
- Ready to apply? Fill out an application.
- Want to virtually visit campus? Check out our upcoming visit opportunities.
- Can’t make it to campus? Take our virtual tour.
Want to connect with an advisor? Check out our virtual drop-in hours or email admissions@inverhills.edu to request a campus-based or phone appointment.
More about earning your Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree at Inver Hills…
Our #1 transfer degree!
The Associate of Arts (A. A.) degree is an ideal choice if you want to complete your general education requirements and complete the first two years of your bachelor’s degree.
At Inver Hills, you’ll have the added advantage of working one on one with your program faculty. That’s something you probably won’t find as a freshman or even a sophomore at the university level.
Undecided? No problem. Many students start college unsure of what they want to study. Get started and explore all of your options. Attend an A.A. Info Session to learn more!
Planning your degree
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)
The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), is a general education curriculum that makes up the core of the AA degree. While taking courses from 10 goal areas, you will build your skills, broaden your knowledge, and explore possible majors. When complete, the MnTC transfers as “gen eds” to a variety of institutions, including all Minnesota State universities and the University of Minnesota.
Check with the school you plan to transfer to for up-to-date program information and transfer requirements.
Health & Physical Education
You must take 2 credits in Health (HLTH) and Physical Education (PHED) coursework to complete your Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree.
Electives
Electives are additional Inver Hills courses that meet liberal arts, prerequisite, or degree requirements at your intended transfer school. All courses must be 1000 level or above.
Check with your destination college for up-to-date program information and transfer requirements. Inver Hills academic advisors and counselors are very helpful in planning for transfer.
Transfer Pathway Options
A.A. Transfer Pathways are special A.A. degrees that allow you start your major early and seamlessly transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at any one of the Minnesota State universities.
After finishing your Transfer Pathway degree, you will be guaranteed junior-year status on admission to the university you’ve chosen. You also have the assurance you can earn your bachelor’s degree after completing an additional 60 credits (for 120-credit programs).
You must still meet any special admission requirements for your chosen major and are not guaranteed admission into the major itself.
Transfer Pathway A.A. degrees
- Communication Studies
- Economics
- History
- Individualized Professional Studies
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
A.A. with Emphasis
The A.A. with Emphasis allows you to thoroughly prepare for your chosen major at a corresponding bachelor’s degree program at several public and private four-year colleges and universities. We strongly recommend that you work with an Inver Hills counselor or advisor when making your transfer plans.
Emphasis areas
Anthropology
Gender and Women’s Studies
Social JusticeLEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COLLEGE’S MOST POPULAR TRANFER DEGREE…
